Community Service

Hi all! This is a community service announcement which I urge you all to spread the info:

WORKSHOP TO EXPOSE THE POTENTIAL TO DEVELOP THE MENTAL SKILLS OF PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS eg. DOWN SYNDROME, AUTISM, CEREBRAL PALSY etc.

Date: 29 Dec 2008 (Awal Muharram)
Venue: IPTAR Angkasapuri KL
Time: 10am - 4pm

Please email at albakri71@hotmail.com for registration or drop a message in our chat box.

CATTLE, SHEEP, AND DOT DOT DOT

Cowdy!

The last 2 weeks had been a hectic yet a learning experience for me. I suddenly found myself negotiating the sale of livestock on behalf of my uncle for Korban. Alhamdulillah, it went well as my long time buddy Syful wrapped up the deal while I myself was back in Darul Hana.

For readers out there looking for livestock be it for Korban, Aqiqah, BBQ, Golek, X mas or any other functions, we can help you with your needs. Price of cattle (Brahman and KK) ranges from RM2,500-RM2,700 depending on the weight. Goat and lamb varies from RM550-RM650. Price is inclusive of delivery for Klang Valley.

My uncle's company also cater for demand in Sarawak and Brunei. In fact, his farm in Kuching had run out of supply last week due to overwhelming demand.


I'd encourage readers to ponder on this:

Malaysia's Self Sufficiency Level (SSL) for cattle is 18% at the present moment. That means, we have to IMPORT 82% of our meat requirements! By 2010, Malaysia needs to achieve its SSL for cattle at 40%. Now you see the opportunity in this industry?

For goat/lamb, the current SSL is at 9%! Meaning we have to import 81% to supply to our Nasi Briani Kambing Gam restaurants. And,we are striving to meet our 35% SSL target by 2010.

So, while anticipating the recession or counting your days to pension, why not give this line of business a thought.

PS If you are in Putrajaya, give Nasi Briani Gam Anje in Precinct 9 a try.Mark my word, that IS the best nasi briani gam in Putrajaya.

Recipe Books on Kek Lapis

There are quite a number of recipe books on kek lapis available in the hyperbookshops or you can order 1 from www.mybooks.com.my The prolific author is Rabiah Amit,a prominent figure in the kek lapis cottage industry in Kuching,Sarawak.I couldn't find one by Deja Moss,the Sarawakian singer-turn-kek lapis entrepreneur.Neither could I find any by Westerners...the closest is the usual 3 tier layer sponge cake.

Since itz school break,why not head to the nearest bookshop,buy 1 and experiment baking your own?I'm sure the whole cavalry (your kids) is at your disposal ;)

IBADAH KORBAN 2008

I encourage readers to disseminate this info on how you can contribute to poverty stricken Cambodians Muslims this coming Eid Al Adha. Please visit this website:

www.korbanaqiqah.com.my

Itz RM225 for a share of a cow and RM450 for a whole goat.



You won't see any friesian on strike here though ;)

On a serious note, it gets me thinking on how the zakat collection is spent in our country. In 2007, Selangor alone collected RM202.1 million from itz zakat harta and fitrah.Hmmm...

Homemade Fruit Cake

Auntie Jam's Homemade Fruit Cake.. Tadaaa!

Jalan-jalan Cari Kerja

Another community service. A friend of mine, Nizam, from Aker passed me this message:

RECRUITMENT FAIR

Venue: Mid Valley Megamall
Date: 7-9 November 2008
Time: 9am-7pm daily

Dress up and bring your latest resume along. Check out Aker Solutions, an international oil and gas company. We are talking big bucks here. But I don't recommend readers to 'jump ship' in this economy unless you're a colleague of the chap below:


Recession tsunami hasn't fully hit our shore till next year so just pass the chance to our full time 'grape growers' family members and friends.

So would-be-candidates, get a hair cut, dress sharp, don't put your hands in the pocket and look the interviewers in the eyes. Good luck!

TRANSMORFOGATION

Readers may notice that my recent posts have rather deviated from kek lapis, as it first intentionally published.

As much as I'm contemplating whether to buy a Triton (come on guys, who wouldn't turn their heads twice when first encounter this PAC team-like vehicle from the Ultraman series)or a Sportage, I too am contemplating whether to turn this blog into a personal account or leave it as it is, a blog dedicated to kek lapis.

But then, kek lapis will always be kek lapis and the choices available can be browsed in the August through October archives. And, by posting a diversity of topics or issues such as the best roti jala in Putrajaya (really, it's a knock out), my visit to the Vatican, a list to do when in Kuching... readers will benefit more. I think the transformation will be to a Travelogue blog. But hey, kek lapis is still kek lapis, and you are welcome to place your order anytime.

Sigh, guess I'll stick to my Kelisa. Happy holiday :)

Kemuning Hitam

I bought this tasbih made from the core of a wood called "kemuning hitam" ..I'm not sure the scientific name for it as the google search returned either Muraya Paniculata or Maninlia Cloxcylon.

My interest in this wood spanned around Syawal where my Mom suffered a severe case of stomachache, diarrhea and vomiting which lasted for about a week. "Kemuning hitam" is claimed to have medicinal properties in the form of enzyme (which my Sis shot "any scientific research done yet?" and I encourage our researchers out there to take this up) and used by traditional practitioners to assist discomforts above. Warriors in the old age incorporate "kemuning hitam" as part of their first aid kit-hence some of their weapons handles or scabbards are made from this particular wood. So in case they got butterflies in their tummies while on the journey to meet Puteri Gunung Ledang, all they need to do is to soak the wood in a cup of water for a few minutes and drink it.

Nope, no hocus pocus involved, it's just just pure chemistry. I think there's a possibility that your parents or grandies has 1 of this tasbih, OTAI - old timers have long known about "kemuning hitam".

If you want to purchase 1 of these (they now come in the form of keychains), I really recommend readers to visit:

http://cikgunasir.blogspot.com

Have a good school holiday :)

Nostalgia

1 Syawal 1429, Mesjid Bahagian,Kuching

Laksa Sarawak

Photo courtesy from my aunt,Dayang Mariam.

If you go to Sarawak, don't ever forget to try laksa Sarawak.Ranges from RM3.50 to RM5.50 depending on the size of the prawn and bits of chicken,you'll find it everywhere from the roadside stalls to the 5 star hotels.I'd recommend you to go to the hawker stalls though. That, my fren, taste better to us rakyat marhain or commoners :D I recommend you to try out one located behind Crowne Plaza Hotel Riverside,Kuching.The stall is called Gerai Mohamed Lim,a mualaf.He cooks fiery laksa.Just ask anyone around the area about "laksa Mohamed Lim" and most of them can point the way to the stall.

There is a secret in cooking your own laksa.The secret lies in the prawn and chicken juice.You must add it in the laksa gravy, or else it will taste somehow bland.My Mom substitutes the usual prawns with udang galah, the giant river prawns (macrobrachium rosenbergii) of Sarawak.

That,my fren, is Heaven to me.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Photo sourced from www.jordanbkk.com

My good buddy Ustad Yusof and I went to visit a friend in Klang today.At 60+, Pakcik Rahim, a Javanese descendant, is still active doing his routine village job.

What I'd like to share with you all is that he was one of the few initiated or being 'ijazah' in the rare traditional healing practice using garam Laut Mati/ Dead Sea salt (refer photo above). I'm sharing with you all this piece of info not to commercialize his knowledge as he cannot charge for the treatment,this being the base of his 'ijazah'."Semua bayaran ikhlas",a usual quote by traditional healers.Another practitioner of this unique healing method (advertisement below) donates all his proceeds to the orphanage.


Photo courtesy by Ustad Yusof (Aminnn!)

So those who wish to seek this kind of alternative medicine in treating diabetes, gout, high blood pressure, migraine, rheumatism,feel free to leave me a message and I'll tell you the way to Pakcik Rahim's house.

PS No 'manderem' involved ;)

Kek Lapis Ovens

Above are 2 models of kek lapis ovens available in Serikin,a town in the border of Sarawak-Indonesia Kalimantan.The lower deck is used to bake kek lapis and the upper deck is for baking normal cakes.The small version can accommodate 2 7X7" loyang (acuan) and the bigger one can fit in 2 9X9" loyang.These are the ovens normally used by kek lapis entrepreneurs.Pleave a message if you are interested in purchasing them. Coming soon-kek lapis course

Back to Business

Salam Syawal! My kek lapis business commences as usual.Just want to share with you all a photo of the famed Daging Masak Hitam Sarawak.The photo is my Mum's,much sought after by families and friends.I intend to sell the perencah ala ADABI or Rempah Mak Siti, inshaAllah.

CLOSE SHOP 28/9 - 10/10/08. TILL THEN, HAPPY HOLIDAY:D

CAKES ALL DELIVERED ALHAMDULILLAH. THANK YOU ALL!

A BREAK FROM KEK LAPIS - SERUNDING SPECIAL FROM KELANTAN

Type: Serunding daging
Weight: 1/2 kg
Price: RM25 for 1/2 kg; RM50 for 1 kg
Type: Serunding ayam
Weight: 1/2 kg
Price: RM33 for 1/2 kg; RM65 for 1 kg

Contact: Me or Dayang Mariam 013-2828005

Above are special recipe serunding made by my Aunt's Sis-in-law from Kelantan. She has been selling over 10,000 packets so far via family and friends. She also supply in bulk to retailers. Just look at the picture, its still wet and not dry as the usual serunding. I don't usually take serunding but hers is an exception.

DON'T FORGET...

Guys! Don't forget to browse my August entries... you'll find more varieties there

Layers of Delight in today's Sunday Star

If you happen to purchase today's Sunday Star, browse on the Metro section and you'll be greeted with a "Layers of Delight"headline. Nope, the kek lapis entrepreneur featured is not me but nevertheless, you can support her by visiting her outlet in Tesco Setia Alam, Klang. Way to go, Siti!

Hmm, should have registered "Lapeez - Layers of Delite" as my trademark.

New Varieties of Kek Lapis Tikar Mengkuang

Kek Lapis Mosaic
Kek Lapis Buku
Kek Lapis Anyaman
Kek Lapis Penjan
Kek Lapis Sabok

These are new varieties of kek lapis tikar mengkuang. Specification still at 9X9" at RM130 per piece. You can also order this for hantaran and balas. Enjoy!

VARIETIES FOR SELAMAT PENGANTIN BARU

We'd love to be part of your BIG day. We prepare exquisite cakes for hantaran and balas. Colors can be changed to suit your wedding theme. Just look at the lovely designs below. So, to anyone out there who is planning to get hitch, just email or text me. Price differs from our usual layers varieties.

Type : My Heart
Code : MH101
Price :RM200
Size : 9X9"
Weight:+/- 1.6 kg
Note: The cakes will be decorated with icing fringes and flowers. You only have to put it in the dulang. Colors can be changed to your wedding theme. Please look at the last photo to get the idea how it looks like.

Type : Confession
Code : C101
Price :RM200
Size : 9X9"
Weight:+/- 1.6 kg
Note: Confess your love for him/her in the cake (literally speaking). The cakes will be decorated with icing fringes and flowers. You only have to put it in the dulang. Colors can be changed to your wedding theme too. Please look at the last photo to get the idea how it looks like.

Type : Lapis Abadi
Code : A101
Price :RM200
Size : 9X9"
Weight:+/- 1.6 kg
Note: Its kurma with macademian nuts inside. The cakes will be decorated with icing fringes and flowers. You only have to put it in the dulang. Colors can be changed to your wedding theme too. Please look at the last photo to get the idea how it looks like.

Type : Double Layer Soleha
Code : SLH1
Price :RM380
Size : 2 pieces of 9X9"
Weight:+/- 1.6 kg each
Note: This is how the end product will be, decorated with icing fringes and flowers. You only have to put it in the dulang. Again, colors can be changed to your wedding theme.

Kek Lapis Roll

Coming soon! Kek lapis in a roll! Cheq out this blog this Wednesday!

Orders

Thanks frens for your orders. InshaAllah the cakes you chose will be the center of masterpiece in your dining hall during Raya :) Btw, just pray that the price of flour stays and there's no shortage in supply - refer news on this at:

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/content.asp?y=2008&dt=0829&pub=Kosmo&sec=Negara&pg=ne_02.htm

Jadi, siapa2 yg dah order atau nak order dalam masa terdekat kira bertuah lah:)

Butter vs Margarine

Owh, I forgot to inform all that our range of kek lapis is made from butter, not margarine... of course butter is a bit expensive but the taste surpasses those of the margarines. Just try 1 and you'll know what I mean :)

2X9" Kek Lapis

We also sell quarter of a loyang kek lapis sized 2X9". Price is at RM24. And oh, no delivery for this size unless you purchase more than 4. Buy 4 then the price RM92 stays. Kalau tak, tak pulang modal nanti bayar minyak and toll :) Yup, much cheaper if you buy the complete 9X9" but buying this quarter loyang will give you more choice during Raya.

Layers' Varieties + Hati Pari

Type : Tikar Mengkuang
Code : TM01
Price :RM130
Size : 9X9"
Weight:+/- 1.6 kg
Note: Put this in the fridge, it'll taste better! Recommended

Type : Coffee Princess
Code : CP01
Price :RM92
Size : 9X9"
Weight: +/- 1.5kg
Note: If you want something exotic, this is the cake for you. Choco-coffee taste
Type : Peanut Butter and Nutela
Code : PBN01
Price :RM92
Size : 9X9"
Weight: +/- 1.5 kg
Note: Peanut butter lovers! This is the cake for you!
Type : Lapis Mascot (with mix fruits)
Code : LM01
Price :RM92
Size : 9X9"
Weight: +/- 1.5kg
Note: Discovering fruits after fruits layers after layers

Type : Lapis Mutiara (with biscuits)
Code : LM01
Price :RM92
Size : 9X9"
Weight: +/- 1.5kg
Note: What can I say? WOW!
Type : Jalinan Kasih (with biscuits)
Code : JK01
Price :RM92
Size : 9X9"
Weight: +/-1.5kg
NOTE: Nyum nyum
Type : Lapis Rempah Madu
Code : RM01
Price :RM92
Size : 9X9"
Weight: +/-1.5kg
Note: Don't be deceived by its plain look. The taste is exotic.

Type : Lapis Blueberry (my favourite!)
Code : BB01
Price :RM92
Size : 9X9"
Weight: +/-1.5kg
Note: I just love this cake, it's soooooo Heaven!
Type : Lapis Prune
Code : PR01
Price :RM92
Size : 9X9"
Weight: +/-1.5kg
Note: Prune lovers!
Type : Lapis Ice-Cream
Code : IC01
Price :RM92
Size : 9X9"
Weight: +/-1.5kg
Note: No no, no ice cream inside. But the choc taste just like the popular gelato

Type : Lapis Masam Manis
Code : MM01
Price :RM92
Size : 9X9"
Weight: +/-1.5kg
Note: Cake for the pregnant...KIDDING! :D
Type : Lapis Holiday Inn
Code : HI01
Price :RM92
Size : 9X9"
Weight: +/-1.5kg
Note: Sigh, the colors calm the spirit
Type : Hati Pari (Recommended)
Code : HP01
Price :RM80
Size : 9X9"
Weight:+/- 1.5 kg (this one is 1.6 kg)
Description: Hati Pari is a traditional cake which roots can be traced back to the Rajah's era. Itz completely made from raisins, no sugar or preservative, and is steamed for at least 8 hours! This cake can last up to 2 years! The taste grows better with time!
Disclaimer: This cake has denied any link with the fish that took out Crocodile Hunter :D